Subject Summary
This course is borrowed from the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Tripos and is taught by the Department of Psychology.
Please note this course cannot be taken alongside IA Chemistry and is limited to 35 NST students.
It encompasses 48 lectures (24 MT, 24 LT) and 8 practical classes (4, MT, 4 LT), offering a comprehensive exploration of the core principles of human behaviour, cognitive processes, and the neuroscientific underpinnings of the mind. Students will learn about the history and methods of experimental psychology, delve into the structure and function of the brain, and study key areas such as sensation, perception, learning, memory, language and emotion. Through practical classes, students will gain hands-on experience of experimental methods and cognitive phenomena and understand conceptual and ethical practices in research.
Learning Objectives
- Students should gain thorough knowledge of neuroscientific methods and understand their role in elucidating the relationship between the brain and behaviour (methods lectures)
- Students should develop an understanding of key psychological theories and concepts across different areas of cognition and be able to evaluate and contrast different perspectives (cognition lectures)
- Students should cultivate an awareness of ethical and conceptual issues in psychological research, emphasizing the importance of responsible conduct in experimental design and human/animal research (conceptual issues lectures)
Assessment Methods
- A 1hr MCQ exam in the early Easter Term exam period (40%)
- A 2hr closed book short answer/short essay exam in the main Easter Term exam period (60%)